he foundations of Fortaleza (Castle) were set down in 2004, and since then have safely stashed 3 terrific albums in their vaults. A slight change in style has been heralded the addition of Oculta to their name, also the title of this brand new album, as they move away from their light gothic rock/metal style to a more epic up-tempo symphonic sound that knocks on the gatehouse of power metal without pushing the door down as they retain their lightness of touch and distinctive Latin flavour. Part of this is down to new keys man Pablo who adds orchestral sounds into the mix as well as some decorative Moog machicolations, and he joined by their gorgeous new singer Ariana, who has a voice that's not too dissimilar to Sy Armonight.

There are very occasional what I would call croaky vocals rather than growls, so nothing for anti growlers to worry about. They throw down the gauntlet with the scene setting theatrical instrumental intro 'La Fortaleza Oculta', and many of their other songs also feature sound effects to introduce the story behind the song. Then 'La Llegada', lead song 'Ninguna Eternidad Como La Mia' (video on Female Voices) and 'Dulce Agonia', after it's gentle intro, really motor along in great style (all lyrics are in Spanish). 'El Cisne Negro' (The Black Swan) is suitably brooding and dramatic, 'Juegos De Guerra' (War Games) is signalled by eerie sirens and really rocks menacingly, and 'Mia Moon' waxes and wanes between mellow and rocking. The next two are super catchy rockers, 'El Enemigo Silencioso' and 'Un Dia Mas', then they round things off nicely with the Latin piano torch song, 'Arrancame la Vida'. Fortaleza have produced another hugely enjoyable album, but this time with an added punch that will bring them a legion of new fans. Sally forth across their drawbridge to their citadel here, a fortifying 8.75/10 (Phil)

1. La Fortaleza Oculta (2:45)
2. La Llegada (4:35)
3. Ninguna Eternidad Como La Mia (4:52)
4. Dulce Agonia (4:31)
5. El Cisne Negro (5:22)
6. Juegos De Guerra (5:06)
7. Luna Mia (3:54)
8. El Enemigo Silencioso (4:57)
9. Un Dia Mas (4:22)
10. Arrancame La Vida (3:02)

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Fortaleza – Fortaleza Oculta (2012)
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